Women in Entertainment Power 100

Never Miss A Story.

Daily Edition

Silberling heads 'Lost' expedition

Empty

Brad Silberling has found his next directorial effort in "Land of the Lost," Universal's big-screen adaptation of Sid and Marty Krofft's 1970s live-action Saturday morning series. Will Ferrell is set to star in the adventure fantasy, which is set to go before cameras in March.

The story follows a disgraced paleontologist, his enthusiastic assistant and a macho tour guide who find themselves in a strange world inhabited by dinosaurs, monkey-people and evil reptilian "Sleestaks" following a disastrous "routine expedition." Chris Henchy and Dennis McNicholas wrote the script.

The Kroffts are producing along with Jimmy Miller. Executive producing are Julie Wixson-Darmody and Daniel Lupi.

Silberling's boarding finally makes a go of "Lost," which had been in development at Disney, Sony and Warner Bros. before Universal's Donna Langley spearheaded efforts in spring 2005.

"If the strike is coming, we got a script and we're ready," said Marty Krofft, who praised the writers for nailing it. "What they did is keep the integrity of the show, but they made it very funny for Will. The adventure is all there. There are going to be 50 Sleestaks!"

Krofft also said that production designer Bo Welch, whose credits include the "Men in Black" movies, "Edward Scissorhands" and "Batman Returns," will be working on the movie.

Silberling's feature credits include "Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events," "City of Angels" and "Casper." He most recently directed "10 Items or Less." Silberling is repped by WMA.